Molecular and Genetic Determinants of the Listeria monocytogenes Infectious Process

Listeria monocytogenes was first characterized in 1926 following an outbreak of listeriosis in laboratory animals (MURRAY et al. 1926). However, it was not until the 1980s that an unambiguous link was established between the human disease and the consumption of Listeria-contaminated foodstuffs (SCHLECH et al. 1983). Immunosuppressed individuals, pregnant women, foetuses and neonates are most susceptible to Listeria infection. Human listeriosis is characterized by a high mortality rate, with clinical features including meningitis or meningo-encephalitis, septicemia, abortion, and perinatal infections (GRAY and KILLINGER 1966). If diagnosed early, listeriosis can be successfully treated by the administration of high doses of antibiotics, most frequently ampicillin or penicillin, either alone or in combination with aminoglycosides.